This month is being recognized and celebrated across our country as Second Chance Month.
Over the past few years I have come to understand that words really do matter and that's why I will be celebrating these things a bit differently. You see, we need to recognize that many men and women in our justice systems never had a first chance. The journey through our justice systems are not really about chances, they are about choices. The choices we make that take us into the justice system, and the choices that we make to help those who need our guidance and support. This month should not only be about men and women behind and beyond our prison walls, but about the educators, correctional officers, administrators, reentry support service providers, neighbors, friends, and most importantly family members who are on this journey as well. Reentry is merely a point in time when one leaves one place in life and moves forward with lessons learned and a new view of the world.
So for me I will be celebrating "Dignity, Humanity & Compassion Month"
If you have a story of a student, educator or administrator that has made an impact on you, please take a minute and share their "second chance" success.
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A few years ago, I went to a small employer engagement meeting that was being held by the local one-stop. The guest speaker of the meeting was an individual that had quite a long criminal history and spent a few years in jail. He talked about the first job he got after leaving prison and how grateful he was for that opportunity. He also discussed how he had to work for years to overcome his traumatic past and balance making time for counseling every week to be able to keep working and thriving at his job and in his community. Some employers at the meeting did have concerns with hiring people with a criminal background, but they were very moved by his story, and started to ask questions and discuss how they might change their hiring practices.
Over time, I got to know more of his story and how he had to overcome a lot of obstacles in enrolling in college to help him have access to better job opportunities. In 2020, he received Penn State's Outstanding Adult Learners Award. He also is one of four students University-wide to be honored with the Rock Ethics Institute's 2020 Stand Up Award. Now, in 2021, he's on the ballot for councilman election happening in May. His dedication to overcome obstacles to participate in higher education, being involved in the community, and being a mentor to others has made an impact on me and many others.